When the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance asked its winemakers which wine they would choose to complement a traditional Thanksgiving meal, the resounding reply was Pinot Noir.
Because of its earthy flavor, soft tannins and bright acidity, it is the perfect match for turkey, cranberries, mushrooms and holiday spices that dominate at this time of year.
The most-planted grape variety in the Petaluma Gap American Viticultural Area (AVA) is Pinot Noir; and Pinot Noir grown in this cool growing region is defined by the wind. The wind has a cooling effect on the grapevines, resulting in slower ripening and longer-hang time and allowing for more complex flavors to develop. The resulting wines have quickly garnered hundreds of awards from top reviewers as well as local, national and international competitions, since becoming an official AVA just over two years ago.
According to Erica Stancliff, winemaker for Trombetta Family Wines, Pfendler Vineyards, and President of the Board of the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers, “Pinot Noir is my first choice to serve guests at Thanksgiving, because it pairs so well with both the white and dark meat of turkey and its earthy qualities are a perfect match for the bounty of mushrooms, cranberries and other holiday favorites throughout the season.”
Petaluma Gap winemakers were asked to share their favorite Thanksgiving recipes and to select their favorite award-winning Pinot Noir to pair with their holiday dish. “With so many 90+ Point wines to choose from, clearly there’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, despite the pandemic and wildfires that have been dominating our thoughts throughout the last several months.
Over the last two years the Alliance has tracked its members’ 90+ point wines with about 70 in the last 12 months alone,” said Stancliff. Below are some of the top-scoring Pinot Noirs with their respective winemaker’s family recipes to pair with the wine; the recipes will be shared on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; @PetalumaGap, one recipe per day, starting on Monday, November 2, 2020. And I'll be posting some of the recipes here on Southern Sonoma Country Life, also. With so many local wines to pick from these days, be sure to select from your neighborhood vintners when selected this year's holiday wines.
Follow the Hashtags and share your own favorite #PetalumaGap #PinotPairing for the holidays. Most of these wines are available for purchase on the wineries websites; see www.petalumagap.com/wineries for more information.
Adobe Road 2017 Griffin’s Lair Pinot Noir, $68 • Garrett Martin, Winemaker • 91 Points – Wine Spectator • Paired with Mrs. B’s Lemon Thyme Roast Turkey
Bruliam Wines 2017 Sangiacomo Roberts Road Pinot Noir, $55 • Kerith Overstreet, Winemaker • 92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck • Paired with Tangy Cranberry Relish
Dutton-Goldfield 2017 Azaya Ranch Pinot Noir, $62 • Dan Goldfield, Winemaker • 95 Points – Wine Enthusiast • Paired with Leek & Mushroom Croquettes
Ernest Vineyards 2017 “The Wrangler” Pinot Noir, $62 • Joseph Ryan, Winemaker • 94 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous • Paired with Ratatouille, TrayBaked, with Roast Beef Tenderloin
Keller Estate 2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, $35 • Julien Teichmann, Winemaker • 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast • Paired with Turkey Breast Roulade Stuffed with Cranberries & Pecans
Keller Estate 2018 El Coro Pinot Noir, $64 • Julien Teichmann, Winemaker • 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast • Braised Turkey Thighs with Caramelized Leeks, Carrots & Celery
McEvoy Ranch 2014 Azaya Ranch Pinot Noir, $40 • Blake Yarger & Maurizio Casstelli, Winemakers • 92 Points – Harvest Challenge • Paired with Warm Artichoke Spinach Dip Ron Noble Wines 2018 Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, $95 •
Megan Baccitich, Winemaker • 95 Points – Connoisseur’s Guide to CA Wines • Paired with Yun’s Chanterelles, Done Two Ways
Sangiacomo Family Wines 2017 Roberts Road Pinot Noir, $70 • James MacPhail, Winemaker • 94 Points – Wine Enthusiast • Paired with Nonni Maria Julia’s Ravioli and Short Rib Gravy Thirty-Seven Wines 2016 Reserve Pinot Noir, $40 • Shane Finley, Winemaker • 96 Points & Double Gold, 2019 San Francisco International Wine Competition • Paired with Wild Mushroom & Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing
Trombetta Family Wines 2016 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, $65 • Erica Stancliff, Winemaker • 93 Points – Wine Enthusiast • Paired with Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
The Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance also invites you to sign up for its monthly newsletter here.
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